All You Need to Know About Clear Lens Extraction By William Goldstein on July 22, 2013

Those who don’t like to wear glasses have the option of LASIK, but not everyone is the right candidate for LASIK. They have yet another option of vision correction known as Clear Lens Extraction and Replacement (CLEAR™) designed for those over 40 years and as a LASIK alternative. The vision is corrected in this technique by replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one.

Clear lens extraction procedure

Under the CLEAR™ technique, also known as ReLEX, an IOL replaces the natural lens so that the focus of the lens is restored. When people begin aging, they gradually lose the ability to focus sharply because the natural lens is no longer as flexible as it ought to be. So, it cannot accommodate the change in focus from near to distant or distant to near. There are two types of IOL – fixed and accommodating focal length IOL for clear lens extraction, Michigan.

Clear lens extraction for presbyopia

Clear lens extraction or refractive lens exchange is typically suited for presbyopia when no other options such as PRK, LASIK, or Phakic IOL are available for people with extreme far-sightedness. Although this procedure can also correct near-sightedness, it is generally not recommended. This procedure does not technically have FDA approval, yet some surgeons do it as an off-label procedure. This surgery is identical to cataract surgery, with the but the natural lens of the patient is not cloudy like in cataract.

LASIK vs. clear lens extraction

LASIK continues to be more popular than clear lens extraction, yet in severe cases of abnormal cornea or refractive error, this procedure is preferable. In addition, RLE is better as compared to PRK or LASIK. However, clear lens extraction, Michigan is uncovered by insurance and is costlier.

Vision after clear lens extraction

You may still need contact or eye glasses after clear lens extraction, yet it also depends on the nature of lens used. Extensively used lenses in clear lens extraction and in cataract surgery are monofocal IOLs which can only focus at a distance. So you may need glasses while working on your computer or reading. However, on the positive side IOLs provide much better contrast sensitivity and vision. Monovision on the other hand is suitable for near vision. Advanced technology lenses such as the Crystalens and the Tecnis Multifocal may allow patients to be completely free of glasses.

Till recently, LASIK was the option to correct vision. However, it was not considered suitable for those over the age of 40. However, clear lens extraction, Michigan is an alternative for those who are over 40 years of age. This procedure focuses on correcting the focus of the lens to near perfection.